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Proof that portions are out of control

There's an interesting story in today's Globe and Mail looking at research comparing portion sizes in different editions of classic cookbook The Joy of Cooking. Apple pie, for instance, has changed a lot since 1931: not only does the basic recipe have more apples, sugar and butter, but it's now said to serve six instead of eight. Brownies? The book's recipe, identical in the 1975 and 1997 editions, suddenly produces 16 brownies, not 30.

We all know that portion sizes have increased—just look at the increasing sizes of your basic plates and bowls—but since it happened gradually, it can be really hard to switch perception back. So maybe we need to go back for real: pick up a set of vintage crockery, and cook with classic cookbooks. Make your kitchen retro.

How do you control portion sizes at home?

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Posted by Kat Tancock onFriday, January 16th, 2009 - 12:19pm

1 Comment

Portion control is a serious problem for my husband, not so much for my son and myself. I have tried cooking smaller amounts of the main course and making sure we have two salads and two vegetables. Problem is my husband takes one look at the size of the main course and asks "What are you and Jonathon eating?" He then proceeds to eat dinner, has a sandwich after, and then proceeds to snack throughout the evening. Yes, he has both a weight and a cholesterol problem but seems unconcerned about both. His answer to the cholesterol problem is to take drugs and, when I ask, he tells me his doctor told him it is hereditary and that exercise and diet will not help. What else can I do?

Submitted by marion on Sun, 2009-01-18 8:40pm.